The Secret Behind the Deliciousness
Okay, let’s be real. The magic of Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken isn’t just about stuffing chicken; it’s about *how* you stuff it and the quality of ingredients you use. We’re talking perfectly cooked chicken, a decadent cream cheese filling with a hint of garlic and herbs, and a beautiful golden-brown crust. It’s comfort food elevated, and it’s surprisingly simple once you know the tricks.What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart from other stuffed chicken recipes? Two things: the filling and the technique. We’re using a specific blend of cheeses and seasonings to mimic that iconic Ruth’s Chris flavor. And instead of just slapping some filling in a pocket, we’re going to use a layering technique that ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, I’ll walk you through my foolproof method for achieving juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every single time. Speaking of techniques, if you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner, you might enjoy my Chicken Thighs Dinner Recipe, it’s easy to make in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this masterpiece. Don’t skimp on quality – it makes a HUGE difference.For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! I’m here to guide you every step of the way.Prepping the Chicken:
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to stuff.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Stuffing the Chicken:
- Spread the Filling: Spread about 1/4 of the cream cheese filling evenly over one side of each chicken breast.
- Roll It Up: Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end. Secure the seam with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Don’t worry if some of the filling oozes out a little – that’s okay!
Cooking the Stuffed Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
- Let It Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Remember to remove the toothpicks or twine before serving!
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Chicken
I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to guarantee this recipe is a smashing success.- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to stuff the chicken with too much filling. It will just ooze out during cooking and make a mess.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is much easier to mix and will result in a smoother filling.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the best way to avoid dry, overcooked chicken.
- Get Creative with the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. Add some sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor. If you like cheesy flavors, you should try my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. They are always a crowd pleaser!
Serving Suggestions
This Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few complementary side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Rice Pilaf: A classic rice pilaf is always a welcome addition to any meal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Okay, let’s address some potential hiccups you might encounter and how to fix them.- Chicken is Dry: This usually happens when the chicken is overcooked. Make sure you’re using a meat thermometer and cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps ensure it cooks evenly.
- Filling is Oozing Out: This can happen if you overfill the chicken or if the filling is too soft. Make sure you’re not using too much filling and that your cream cheese is softened but not melted. Secure the seam tightly with toothpicks or twine.
- Chicken is Not Browning: If your chicken isn’t browning, try broiling it for the last few minutes of cooking time. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Make Ahead Instructions
Want to get ahead of the game? You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary. You can even prepare the filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Preparing meals ahead of time is a life saver, and if you are looking for more make-ahead meals, my Boursin Chicken Pasta is another excellent option!Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to put your own spin on this recipe! Here are a few ideas to get you started:- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses in the filling. Gruyere, provolone, or even a little bit of goat cheese would be delicious.
- Herb Variations: Use different fresh herbs in the filling. Basil, rosemary, or tarragon would all be great additions.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little bit of heat.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate some finely chopped vegetables into the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a winner because it’s impressive enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, but you get to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes and preferences. If you want another dish that is easy and impressive, try my Balsamic Baked Chicken With Melted Mozzarella. It is so simple to make, but tastes divine!Final Thoughts
Making Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken at home is not only possible but surprisingly easy! With a little bit of preparation and my step-by-step instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!What makes this stuffed chicken recipe different from other similar recipes?
This recipe stands out due to its specific blend of cheeses and seasonings designed to mimic the iconic Ruth’s Chris flavor. Also, a layering technique is used when stuffing the chicken to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
What are some tips for ensuring the stuffed chicken doesn’t end up dry?
To prevent dry chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly. Avoid overcooking.
Can I prepare the Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the filling a day or two in advance.
What are some filling variations I can try to customize this recipe?
You can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or provolone, use various fresh herbs such as basil or rosemary, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
BEST Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
This recipe brings the indulgence of the famous Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse to your kitchen with a copycat version of their stuffed chicken. Perfectly cooked chicken breasts are filled with a decadent cream cheese mixture featuring garlic, herbs, and cheese, all baked to a golden-brown perfection for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Spread about 1/4 of the cream cheese filling evenly over one side of each chicken breast.
- Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end.
- Secure the seam with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Remove the toothpicks or twine before serving.
Notes
Don’t overfill the chicken. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (74°C). Customize the filling with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or bacon. You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Experiment with cheese and herb variations. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
